#2 of an Inspirational Series
Have you ever been blessed by the kindness of a total stranger?
Well, I have and it literally makes your heart swell in gratitude. You’ve probably had similar experiences. But let me quickly tell you how a perfect stranger rescued me from a thorny situation.
I was at the mall with my 9-month-old grandson who was strapped into a baby carrier. Time for a feed and an epic battle began to get him out of the carrier. An observant stranger hopped over and deftly released the straps. By that time, my grandson was howling in hunger and I was extremely grateful for another mom’s quick thinking!
What is Kindness
Today, kindness is often equated with money. While it has its place, spontaneous kindness has a greater impact. Simply because it’s done with a generous spirit expecting nothing at all in return.
This quote sums it up perfectly:
A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
John Ruskin
So kindness simply means giving of yourself – be it time, a hug or a smile.
The Health Benefits of Kindness
Did you know that there are several health benefits to being kind? The best one is that you’re left with ‘helper’s high’ which is great for both your physical and mental well being.
Check out this YouTube video to get the main health benefits of showing kindness to others.
Can Kindness change the World
A great big YES. It is so powerful that a single act can inspire similar acts of kindness. Like a chain letter, the feel-good factor of kindness is passed on and on and on …. In this way, the world can be supercharged with the joyous current of selfless service.
Consider this quotation:
Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change. ~ Bob Kerrey
Let’s look at the acts of kindness that prove this.
1. We are the World
Remember the song ‘We Are the World’? Some of the most gifted musicians of our time gave their time and skills to create a track that raised over $63 million for humanitarian aid in Africa. That was true kindness in action.
2.Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations
There are thousands of non-profit and charitable organizations that are motivated purely by the generosity of spirit that is the bedrock of kindness.
Some international examples are:
- Habitat for Humanity
- The Gift of the Givers
- Doctors without Borders
- Amnesty International
3.Local Random acts of kindness
Every community has organizations that serve so that the needy, homeless and hungry may benefit. Some common examples are:
- Winter blanket drives
- Food collections
- Shoebox ministries
- Soup kitchens
Can kindness change the world? Yes, if we educate our kids on the powerful benefits of kindness. Let them learn the lesson early that kindness and love are sides of the same coin.
Make an effort to do your part and always pay it forward!
Like what you read? Be sure to share it on your favorite social media platforms so that others can learn the tools to transform the world with kindness.
In case you missed the first segment of this inspirational series, you can read it here…..
Joy in the Garden
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One of my daily affirmations is always to choose kindness. This is inspired me to be kinder! Thank you for the inspiration 🙂
Herah,
I’m thrilled to hear kindness is already one of your affirmations.
I’m sure you are a kind person.
Blessings, Louise
Great post Louise! I agree kindness can change the world and if we all give a little and pay it forward on a daily basis, so many people will reap the benefits and the world will be a better place to live! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Denise!
Louise, I loved reading this wonderful article you wrote about kindness. I couldn’t agree more! Thank you for all the daily inspiration you give! This is an ‘act of kindness’ in my back all day long!
Thank you, Beth, for your kind words!
These are such great ideas, and really so simple if we just take the time. Thank you for sharing.
My blog includes kindness too! I think it is so important, especially with all of the turmoil around us, to remember that kindness is a choice we can make every day. And you are right, kindness can change the world!
Lori, I’d love to see your blog on kindness.
Yes, we are blessed with the kindness of strangers! We run for our lives and two people who are brave enough to protect me, my siblings, and mother. You are right, kindness can change the world, and it made a big difference. If only everyone is willing to give kindness to one another, this World would be less chaotic than it is today.
You are absolutely right, April. Thank you for sharing.
I’m such a big advocate of this – it cannot be said (and done!) enough! Thank you for sharing this!
What a great reminder for a Sunday morning. Lovely post, thank you!
kindness is key. Not enough people have it these days! It can change a day.
Great post! We all need to be reminded of this and how easy it is to be kind.
Love this! Thank you so much for sharing. One of my up coming Willow Wednesdays is all about putting a smile on someone elses face by using simple acts of kindness.
Nyxie, I will forward to reading your post about smiles.
Joy!
What a great post. Sadly, kindness is a rarity these days. But, so precious when you experience it from a complete stranger. I enjoyed reading this. 🙂